Actress-comedienne Pokwang confirmed that she was the subject of a recent blind item about a female host who requested a talent fee increase but was not granted the adjustment.
She clarified, however, that she was not removed from the Kapuso morning show ‘TiktoClock’ and that her departure was due to her decision not to renew her contract.
In an interview on the Ogie Diaz ‘Showbiz Update’ vlog, Pokwang said she recognized herself in the blind item.
“Given na given ang clues. Ako talaga ’yon, totoo ’yung nasa blind item,” she said.
Pokwang explained that contracts for the program are renewed every three months. For the October–December cycle, she chose not to sign again.
“Hindi po ako tinanggal, hindi na ako pumirma. Meron kasi akong konting hiningi sa management,” she said.
When asked by Ogie Diaz if she had requested a pay increase, she confirmed it.
“Totoo naman nanghihingi lang tayo ng konting karagdagan… tumataas na rin ang bilihin. ’Yung mga nagta-trabaho sa akin, yearly ko rin ini-increase. Konti lang naman ’yung hiningi nating dagdag,” Pokwang said.
The comedienne added that she has been part of the show for four years and is one of its original hosts along with Kim Atienza.
Pokwang said she decided to step back from the program to dedicate more time to her growing food business, which receives a high volume of orders, especially from customers abroad.
“Para matutukan ko na rin itong negosyo namin… lalo na ngayon magpa-Pasko, ang lakas ng demand,” she said.
She also cited personal responsibilities, including providing for her daughter Malia.
Pokwang admitted she felt some disappointment about being mentioned in a blind item despite keeping quiet about her exit.
Still, she clarified she was grateful for the opportunity and did not want to be perceived as ungrateful.
“Hindi naman sa ungrateful… siguro para makahanap din ako ng ibang hanapbuhay na mapagkakasya ko sa pamilya ko,” she said.
She emphasized that changes in work are normal and that she informed her Sparkle (GMA) manager about her decision not to renew.
Pokwang confirmed she remains a Kapuso artist under an existing network contract until 2027 and hopes to be given another program in the future.
“Bilang Pokwang, hindi naman gano’n kalakihan ang hinihingi ko at alam nila ’yon,” she said.
